Ōrākei Marina Annual Monitoring

Challenge

Ōrākei Marina Management Trust (Ōrākei Marina) established a 170-berth marina within Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour in 2004. 4Sight (now SLR) provided ecological advice and support to achieve the original resource consents and the management of any potential effects on the marine environment were incorporated into the consent conditions. Ōrākei Marina require ongoing monitoring of the marina to ensure these conditions are met.

Solution

Our Ecology team initially developed a monitoring plan in 2008 and our team have been implementing this plan since that time to successfully meet Ōrākei Marina’s consent requirements. This includes annual monitoring of the levels of bacteria in the water and biannual monitoring of heavy metals in the sediment. Our team also assesses the results against the consented limits and prepare the annual environmental monitoring report.

Impact

Since its inception, the monitoring program has aimed to prevent or minimise the marina’s adverse effects on public safety as well as the marine environment. Each year, during peak usage periods, water quality is assessed to ensure it remains safe for public use. If any risks are identified, Auckland Council is promptly notified so appropriate actions can be taken. To date, no such actions have been necessary.